During my last three years, I watched my friends engage in the festival through the roles of intern, blogger, and assistants, but never took the plunge for myself.

As a student, I would look up the grid for CInemapolis, do a simple Google search and decide what to see with my friends. After the screenings, life would go on without much thought regarding the guests or the works themselves.

As a staffer, the festival enchanted me.

Immersing in programmed films and guests’ bios week after week built my anticipation for the events. By the time the festival arrived, my staffer badge felt like a highly coveted backstage pass to an intellectual concert.

When you work for the festival, you’re around a group of people who exude as much excitement about the films as you do.